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Brian Cho

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Brian Cho rated a book it was amazing

Brooklyn (Eilis Lacey, #1)

by Colm Tóibín

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Brian Cho said: " I chose to read Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín because I was curious about historical fiction that revolves around themes of immigration and personal development. Brooklyn is a historical fiction and follows a young Irish woman moving to the mainland of the I chose to read Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín because I was curious about historical fiction that revolves around themes of immigration and personal development. Brooklyn is a historical fiction and follows a young Irish woman moving to the mainland of the United States in the 1950s. Colm Tóibín is an Irish author and writer whose novels include lush character portraits that delve into the nuances of identity and family. Brooklyn follows the life path of Eilis Lacey, a naturally smart and taciturn girl from a small town in Ireland, looking for a new beginning in Brooklyn, New York. As the novel unfolds, we witness her reflections and experiences with homesickness, independence, and the difficulties of realising a new life so far away from home, without giving too much away.

One of the greatest aspects of Brooklyn is Tóibín’s clever and true-to-life reflections on Eilis’ inner life. Tóibín shies away from the grand dramatic twists of fiction, focusing more on the gentle emotional shifts that accompany Eilis’ transition from life in Ireland to life in America. I particularly enjoyed how Tóibín used the small but big moments; homesick letters, Eilis's slow adjustment to American customs, etc., to demonstrate changes in her character. Tóibín's writing style is calm, reflective, and matches the theme of coming of age and making difficult decisions. I suspect Tóibín wrote Brooklyn to illustrate the emotional costs of leaving home behind when immigrants move to new countries, ethically reflecting on the transition from one's homeland. The novel also captured how people often straddle two seemingly exclusive worlds, watching other folks tumble, trying to come to grips with where and to whom they increasingly belong. Tóibín captures this well in a multitude of ways with Eilis’ relationships, specifically her romantic relationship with Tony in Brooklyn and connection to Jim back in Ireland, and pulls gently on her internal dilemma over who she belongs to and where that fits, making the novel as emotionally resonant as it is provoking.

I would unequivocally recommend Brooklyn to readers of character-focused narratives and historical fiction. It is not a passive read, but most certainly a strong one that draws you in with a sense of emotional and honest capacity and contained beauty. Young adult, teenage, and adult readers who are interested in concepts of immigration, identity, or coming of age will not only appreciate but also embrace its sentimental meaning. I believe readers who have sometimes felt or experienced abrupt transitions in their lives, or felt pulled toward two options, will share meaning and understanding with Eilis. Overall, Brooklyn is an elegantly written novel that lingers long after you have finished it. ...more "

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(page 262 of 262)
"Eilis finally tells her mother the truth, that she’s married to Tony, and decides to return to Brooklyn. She says goodbye to Jim and the life she could’ve had in Ireland. It’s a painful choice she knows she has to make. I felt her strength here, choosing honesty and the future she has already started, even when it hurts." — Apr 20, 2025 05:56PM

May 04, 2025 02:33PM · see review

Brian Cho is currently reading

A Separate Peace

by John Knowles

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(page 208 of 208)
— Mar 31, 2025 05:42AM

Feb 11, 2025 08:57AM

Brian Cho rated a book really liked it

A Psalm for the Wild-Built (Monk & Robot, #1)

by Becky Chambers (Goodreads Author)

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Brian Cho said: " Becky Chambers' A Psalm for the Wild-Built is a reflective, emotionally rich science fiction novel that really drew me in with its themes of purpose and existence. Chambers, known for her Wayfarers series, does an exemplary job of creating character- Becky Chambers' A Psalm for the Wild-Built is a reflective, emotionally rich science fiction novel that really drew me in with its themes of purpose and existence. Chambers, known for her Wayfarers series, does an exemplary job of creating character-driven stories set in imaginative worlds. It is a post-industrial book that traces the coexistence of humans and nature. Sibling Dex, a tea monk on a quest to find fulfillment, is paralleled with a robot, Mosscap, who returns from the wilderness to ask, "What do humans need?" This is a really introspective novel of their combined quest for comprehension amid their personal struggles.

I chose this book because it is said to be a thinking book, and a book whose message commanded not only my attention but my interest as well. The interactions between Dex and Mosscap really made up the core of the story. Moments like their frustration with the wilderness in Chapter 4 and exhaustion in Chapter 7 brought an air of restlessness and feelings of inadequacy in Dex into the meaning of his quest. On the other hand, Mosscap's quirky and soothing nature provided a unique lens through which to look, especially when, at a most emotional moment in the game, it said the most: "It is enough to simply live." These lines challenged me to reflect on the burden we put upon ourselves to need to have justifications for being alive.

Chambers' tranquil writing amplified these themes: the quiet companionship in the cave and Dex's eventual breakdown in the rain brought into focus their vulnerability and resilience. I would recommend A Psalm for the Wild-Built to readers who enjoy introspective character-focused stories. It is excellent for readers who enjoy more philosophical literature, for instance, The Little Prince, since it contemplates big questions about living, identity, and nature. For those readers who hanker for novels full of action, this would be considered slow-witted, but the very strength of this book is herein. This novel is thus comforting, perceptive of life's biggest questions, and will definitely leave a changed reader, greatly appreciative of simply being there. ...more "

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(page 151 of 151)
"Chapter 7 made me reflect on how deeply human emotions like frustration and fear of purpose can push someone to their limits. Dex’s determination to continue despite physical and mental pain felt relatable, showing the complexity of wanting more even when unsure of what "more" is. The moment where Mosscap patiently supported Dex highlighted the importance of quiet companionship, especially during times of struggle." — Dec 19, 2024 08:09AM

Jan 10, 2025 06:36PM · see review